RockAuntie

See it if You like the idea of "The Big Chill" coming full circle to aging boomers! Aimed at folks 60+, has some sharp lines; best is a pasta recipe

Don't see it if You have no interest in the over-analysis of the Baby Boomer generation. You prefer witty comedies with fully developed female characters.

Also It was amusing to notice that practically the entire audience at 59E theater mirrored the cast!
And given an upcoming show aimed at Boomers, not at all surprised.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy a cheeky, smart, young wordsmith create clever raps (think more "Hamilton"-like) than rough stuff. Enjoyable performance -artist!

Don't see it if You dislike sampling improvisational material, hate hip-hop, rap music - even light versions. Do not enjoy off, off B'way fare.

Also Chris Turner's demeanor and performance, are so different than the somewhat "scary" photo in the ad for the show suggests!
Think another, picture of Chris might draw more of an audience.... Read more Read less

See it if It's summer and this fun, energetic dinner/theater of Shakespeare's comedy is perfect entertainment! Acting is quite good with an agile cast

Don't see it if You dislike Shakespearean plays in any form. Can't stand a tight spaced dinner theater event. Prefer traditional dining & theater uptown.

See it if You wish an original interpretation of a crucial American documents, with a distinctive, feminist view. Material that is enlightening & sad

Don't see it if You are averse to plays with a feminist point of view. Also, given some harrowing stories of abuse against women, best for those over 16.

See it if You want an entertaining & enlightening play about origins of modern media. Brilliantly acted and staged. Fine UK accents by Amer. actors

Don't see it if You have no interest in British or American media, and you have trouble understudying various UK accents, (I heard theater headsets help)

Also I was extremely impressed with Jonny Lee Miller's performance!
Only "a touch" high pitched through-out, but still so masterful!
Also looved the unexpected musical score!... Read more Read less

See it if You love live, traditional, NoLa jazz, it's origins, & a non-traditional theater presentation. You enjoy music, dancing, and participation.

Don't see it if You dislike, live jazz, not having a regular, theater seat ( many stand for this show), and "get into the action" theatrical offerings.

See it if You love Shakespearean themes, even when it's interpreted in a bizarre fashion. You enjoy seeing Nathan Lane & Julie White, who are great!

Don't see it if You have no patience for theater of the absurd, "gruesome" presentations and juvenile sight and sound gags. You like linear, trad comedy.

Also With so many superb names associated with this play, on and off stage, I really expected to be more entertained.
However, all the cast is superb!... Read more Read less

See it if It's a fave movie with a Terrific performance by lead Santino Fontana, newer actors, funny, with a fair score. If you like a smart revival.

Don't see it if You enjoy classic, American Songbook musicals, or new, edgy musicals with serious themes. You dislike any B'way show based on a movie.

Also Thought Sarah Stiles had one of the most, fun songs, given that much of the score was boring. A few "generic theater" songs that only advance the plot, but are not melodic, can be dropped.
Also, Andy Grotelueschen could use some beard/hair sprucing, and a less snarky performance.
He comes across as Micheal's
cranky, old uncle, rather than a buddie-roommate.... Read more Read less

See it if You like an ambitious show that satirizes the art scene and wealthy, power-brokers. You're patient with off, off B'way fare that needs work

Don't see it if You expect a finely honed, B'way -type comedy,with an experienced cast. You don't see any shows, located south of 40th Street in Manhattan.

Also As with many newer plays, this one could really use a strong edit. It attempts too much, with skewering the art scene (should stay the main focus), obnoxious wealthy power brokers, and least appealing, the sullen daughter and her broken marriage & fertility issues.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy a mystery, dramedy set in a realistic, family background. Seeing working class characters with non- politically correct views.

Don't see it if If you have a family, close friend dealing with dementia. Dislike the intensity of a blue collar family struggling with old secrets.

Also Thought the acting was excellent and good plot twists.
But felt the play could be tightened in length. Plus some dramatic revelations are stretched out too much for effect.... Read more Read less

See it if An opportunity to see a very talented cast portray stories of a forgotten chapter of WW1 American history. You enjoy innovative musicals.

Don't see it if You only like musical revivals or new musicals with a contemporary setting. You like conventional dramas, or light comedies.

Also I agree with the NYT reviewer who wrote that the great promise of the first act, lead to a bloated and overly sentimental second act.
I truly hope "The Hello Girls" is re-worked a bit - the book shortened, two ballads dropped and more lively music added.
Really would love to see this extremely, clever new musical, with such a talented cast, have an long life!... Read more Read less

See it if You like Paddy Chayefsky's writing, skewering corporations, through a fictional TV co. Clever, fast paced staging, and media images abound.

Don't see it if You prefer an established, linear drama, light comedy, or musical. You revere TV shows and would not appreciate the satire of the media.

Also Though he's a fine actor, I thought Tony Goldwyn too young for the role of "Max Schumacher".
Also, I fail to see the need for audience members dining on stage.
I think that stage space could have been another part of the "UBS Network", or 1970's families at home, in a recliner lounge, or sofa, watching TV - the action on stage.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy Joyce's works, fine acting, sweet music in a beautiful setting of 1904 Dublin. You wish to dress up a bit, and "channel the era"!

Don't see it if You are bored by classic Irish theater, & literature. You wish a light comedy, musical in a traditional theater. You cannot stand for awhile

Also It would be wise for the theater company to post a large sign by the coat check, asking all guests to turn their cell phones OFF!... Read more Read less

See it if You want to "Turn Back Time" and have a Cher concert! It's fun, great leads do the songs justice & fantastic costumes! The book "Love &Pain"

Don't see it if You dislike pop, rock music and Cher songs. Don't like the usually, poor script that comes with a jukebox musical.

Also Sit close to the stage to hopefully avoid the annoying audiences that tend to be upstairs.
This play (like many jukebox musicals), attracts a lot of folks who talk & sing along, thinking they're in their homes instead of a theater!... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy British comedies, especially set in working class, England. You like accents, refs of North England, & games like darts, pool.

Don't see it if You hate games like billiards, darts, a play with working class, gangster English settings. Your Brit fare is Noel Coward or Downton Abbey.

Also Alexandra Billings was especially funny as she delivers those great malaprops!... Read more Read less

See it if You wish to see the wise, AR Gurney's brilliant take on careers, money, education, family and sexual relationships. Writings of a gentleman!

Don't see it if You wish edgy, current, content with rougher language and actions. You want either an old fashioned comedy, or Lena Dunham/Judd Apatow fare

Also The cast was superb - especially Rachel Nicks, Colin Hanlon, Piter Marek & Betsy Aidem!... Read more Read less

See it if You love classic rock, blues, pop music from the "50's, 60's! Are not seeking a plot. Terrific cast that can sing,dance, great musicians!

Don't see it if You dislike rock and pop music. Are seeking a conventional musical with a book, and either a new or classic American Songbook score.

See it if You want to observe and probably later discuss, just what ambition, success and personal happiness means to many middle income Americans.

Don't see it if You dislike plays dealing with striving for individual growth in current America. You wish a fluffy, diversion.

Also I thought the initial noisy rap music setup,was cleverly and humorously explained by two engaging performers!... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy campy shows with Very obvious double-entendres, and pop rock music - the Go Go's. I love rock, so the numbers did appeal to me.

Don't see it if You dislike pop/rock music and a play set in a fantasy world. And you are offended by gay references.

Also The cast is game and all do their best to entertain us.
I just like my whimsical shows Much Shorter, like 90 mins. and no intermission.... Read more Read less

See it if You like an play that challenges you intellectually, instead of soft, entertaining fare. You really enjoyed the play "Travesties".

Don't see it if You seek a funny, comedy or light drama play - basically one with a more conventional plot.

See it if You enjoy classic British humor, settings and a satiric overview of much of the 20th Century. The acting is superb and quite clever staging!

Don't see it if You dislike British themed shows, have a hard time with English phrasing, dialects and references. And this play would be too long for you

See it if You are a fan of amateur "therapy", and inter-active, pseudo -psychological performances. The best talkers were not the over the top plants.

Don't see it if You want a sharp, comic, improvisational show.

Also I enjoyed discovering McHales for dinner, drinks before a Broadway play!... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy shows that deal with the Baby Boomer generation, and NYC -centric family/comedies.

Don't see it if You are tired of plays/movies involving the Baby Boomer generation. You wish a show in a comfortable setting.

Also I like the 59E59 Theatre and am a subscriber, but Theater C is not very comfortable.
Thankfully this play was around 90mins.... Read more Read less

See it if You are interested in stories of the immigrant experience in coming to N. America, especially the Jewish diaspora. You like Klezmer music.

Don't see it if You are sensitive to brutal, verbal descriptions of genocide. Curse words offend you. You are expecting a fun-klezmer musical.

See it if You are a "kid at heart" and would enjoy a wildly, creative set, eclectic, pop music and great dancing! A few, sly references for adults.

Don't see it if You only like classic, musical revivals or new, edgy, musicals. And it is a bit too long, at two hours plus.

Also The choreography and dancers are superb, and very athletic!
It's fun to see the kids in the audience loving the show.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy pop, rock music, and experiencing those songs presented in a creative way. The show is an over-the-top spectacle and escapist fun.

Don't see it if You're a musical theater "purist" and dislike rock, pop music & gaudy staging. You prefer either classic musical revivals or edgy, new fare

See it if You enjoy unique material, here a Greek myth, set to a fine score with great performers. You seek musicals that are not traditional.

Don't see it if You desire old school revivals, or a new musical with a contemporary book. You dislike musicals set to mythological themes.

See it if It's a terrific "juke box" musical with super songs of The Temptations, all performed by a fantastic cast! If you love R&B, you'll enjoy!

Don't see it if You dislike pop, rock, R&B music. You only prefer classic Broadway musical fare, and the American Songbook.

See it if You enjoy plays based in historical fact & especially about the UK. Relish the portrayal of machinations of power, handled by unique women!

Don't see it if You are not versed in 20th Century history of the UK/USA, and dislike plays based on fact. You prefer plays about contemporary themes.

Also All the cast is superb!
My only criticism is that a trim of about ten minutes wouldn't hurt.... Read more Read less

See it if If you loved the movie (best to see it before the show), you will enjoy this funny, tuneful play. Sharp barbs aimed at NYC crowd a nice bit.

Don't see it if You hate movies to B'Way fare, and wild, "strobe -light" special effects. You love classic, musical theater, or quiet, serious music shows.

See it if You want a sharp, satiric, though also absurdist, take on sexism, especially in the office. Fast paced, well-acted but it goes askew also.

Don't see it if You're expecting a funny play, suggested by the TV's "The Office". The crazy dialogue/words the actors deliberately mangle, would annoy you.

Also Playwright Mara Nelson-Greenberg is very talented and I look forward to her next work!
Loved seeing the superb Megan Hill (so terrific in "Eddie & Dave"!) and getting to experience the rest of a fine cast of actors I didn't know.... Read more Read less

See it if You love TCM and are an old movie buff, especially of rom-coms, musicals. Terrific presentation of Judy Holliday, her era, sexism, politics.

Don't see it if You haven't a clue as to who Judy Holliday was and the ethos of the 1950's to early 1960's. You only seek big budget musicals, or revivals.

Also All the cast was superb, doing double duty in many roles.
Special praise for Andrea Burns, who was Fantastic!
I would love to see this as an HBO, Showtime, FX, Bravo, AMC movie!... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy psychological ,dramedy with sharp dialogue. You're a fan of Patricia Highsmith's work & enjoy satiric view of NY's literary world

Don't see it if You dislike two character, "small" plays, that are steeped in literary references. You're not familiar with any of Patricia Highsmith's work

Also The two actors, Peggy J. Scott and Daniel Petzold, were superb!

See it if You love rock music & wink at attendant, life craziness that's a part of music icons. Super to see the talented women play these guys!

Don't see it if You hate rock music, and any plays that featured cross-gender portrayals. You truly enjoy established musical theater.

See it if You enjoy clever, politically-oriented humor. Like a questioning, "liberal" slant of comments on the current state of life in the USA.

Don't see it if You hate political commentary, especially from a Northeastern comedian/writer. You prefer a classic, linear comedy structured for a cast.

See it if You value intelligent writing on an important issue of truth in journalism & beyond. Terrific acting, and timing by the very notable cast.

Don't see it if You don't read factual material - preferring escapist, non-fiction instead. Your theater-going must be a light, comedy or juke-box musical.

See it if You're a fan of Theresa Rebeck's (though not her best play), plus Tyne & Tim Daly. You like a contemporary, drama that evokes danger/evil.

Don't see it if You wish a clearly plotted mystery, that wraps up in a predictable manner. You're only keen on light comedy and or musicals.

Also The part of The Cherry Lane where "Downstairs" is performing was bloody FREEZING for the 11/23 matinee!
So much so, that had there been an intermission, some of us would have left.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy a satiric look at modern marriage among "first world", privileged folks. You relish plays by a sharp, feminist playwright.

Don't see it if You detest plays that deal with the trails & tribulations of current married life. You wish a fluffy comedy or pop musical.

Also Though I have seen two, fine plays at Urban Stages, the area where it's located is unfortunately quite sad.
If you're a woman on your own, be alert to your surroundings.... Read more Read less

See it if You wish a challenging work of a religious, historical figure,with dimensions not known by most. You're open to pro & con re: religion.

Don't see it if You wish a light drama play, a comedy, or musical. A show with a contemporary plot. You only want to see Glen Close, as the play is long.

See it if You enjoy historical fare, based on a famous woman, who defied the conventions of her era. You enjoy sharp writing, said by a smart woman.

Don't see it if You dislike plays set in the past, with Shakespearean refs. You don't appreciate shows that champion very strong women. You want fluff.

Also Though I'm a long-time, avid feminist, I found the audience clapping at certain pro-female dialogue annoying.... Read more Read less

See it if You value theater re: a relevant social issue, in this case young people in our bizarre incarceration system. You work in counseling.

Don't see it if You wish a fluffy, fun comedy or musical. You dislike sampling new off, off B'Way shows of any type.

Also More clarification of the book would be wise, as to the outcome of the young protagonists, and who was determining it.
I thought the actors were uniformity excellent!... Read more Read less

See it if You like old fashioned musicals, even with a confusing book. But really go for super Melissa Errico, fine Mr. Bogardus, and Irish Rep. cast.

Don't see it if You dislike fluffy musicals, stories that are fanciful, and set in another era. You prefer challenging theater, even with a musical.

See it if You wish to become familiar with a lesser known Spanish work, for most Americans. Great acting and recalls Shakespeare a bit.

Don't see it if You dislike seeing any non-English work with subtitles. (Translation device available) You don't like gender transitions in the plot.

See it if You wish a play dealing with the stages and ages of one woman's life, and toxic relationship with her son. Albeit, the woman is privileged.

Don't see it if You wish light, fluffy fare or may be caring for a difficult, elderly parent.

See it if You enjoy a fast paced, satirical look at early 20th Century political, cultural, literary movements. You enjoy British theatrical style.

Don't see it if You wish a simple, linear, comedy or drama and are not comfortable with the English language.

See it if You do not know the sad, difficult time when AIDS first spread. Scenes of various people affected are well shown- especially by Lee Pace.

Don't see it if You want a light, frivolous theater show. And fine as all of "Angels" is, it is quite tough to endure its length.

See it if You want a super, kitschy musical show, with foreign visitors. Soo nutsy with it's mash-up of classical, opera & classical that I laughed!

Don't see it if You are a serious, classical, or rock music fan, or love traditional musical theater.

Also The spotlights emanating from the stage and hitting the audience are Very Annoying!... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy plays, that deal with politics, past/present. You are like The West Wing, Wag the Dog etc. and brittle dialogue between men/women.

Don't see it if You dislike any projects that portray the USA and the CIA in a negative light. You wish a breezy, light political show like Veep.

See it if You enjoy comedy/drama plays about family life, based in reality. You've dealt with the passing of a parent(s), handling it with siblings.

Don't see it if You desire an experimental show, that is not rooted in American, middle-class, life experiences.

Also Kudos to the author, and producers of this play for finding such a lovely talented actress to play "Amy", and in other performances - a fellow to be "Andy"!... Read more Read less

See it if You want a contemporary take on relationships of men/women +satiric, insightful commentary! Smart life observations + great literary refs!

Don't see it if You dislike new plays about present day young adults,with all their foibles. You prefer shows by established, older playwrights.

Also The cast was terrific! Loved writer Kate Benson's narration!